Sheinbaum criticizes border closure due to screwworm

In a morning press conference addressing key issues for Mexico's economy and agricultural health, President Claudia Sheinbaum directly criticized the United States government after it decided to once again close the border to Mexican livestock following the detection of a new case of screwworm in Veracruz.

"From our point of view, it was a completely exaggerated decision," the president declared from the National Palace, making it clear that her government has already activated all health protocols to contain the outbreak.

The cattle screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) is a pest with a high economic and health risk that attacks mammals, especially cattle, causing serious injuries. Mexico has invested millions in its eradication, and any outbreak, no matter how small, triggers binational alerts.

The detection of the case in Veracruz, although controlled, led to the immediate suspension of Mexican livestock exports to the United States, a measure that, according to Sheinbaum, "does not reflect the true magnitude of the risk."

Francisco Calderón, head of the National Service of Health, Safety, and Agrifood Quality (SENASICA), stated that the case is being treated as an "isolated incursion" and that no secondary infections have been identified.

Among the measures implemented are:

Strengthening the sanitary cordon in northern and southern Veracruz.
Release of 2 billion sterile flies to disrupt the pest's reproductive cycle.
Daily monitoring and strict control of livestock movement.

"We're confident the case will be inactive in two weeks," Calderón said.

The border closure significantly affects the Mexican livestock sector, especially producers in the north of the country who depend on exports. In 2024, livestock trade with the U.S. exceeded $1 billion.

Furthermore, this action occurs at a time of diplomatic reconfiguration, as Sheinbaum's new administration seeks to strengthen bilateral relations based on mutual respect and technical cooperation.

The president assured that her administration maintains open dialogue with U.S. health authorities and is confident that the border will reopen "very soon."

"We are acting responsibly and transparently. Exaggerating these measures creates unnecessary alarm and unfairly affects our producers," he emphasized.